**BB - SCHOOL COMMITTEE LEGAL STATUS** **Last Updated Date:** 11/26/2013 **Adoption Date:** 01/10/2006 The School Committee consists of five (5) members, and is the governing board of the public school system. Although it functions as a duly elected Committee of town government, it owes its existence to the Massachusetts General Laws, which decree that each public school system will be governed by a School Committee.  The School Committee possesses all powers and duties conferred upon it by state law. Certain legislative powers are also granted to the Committee by the town charter and code. The Committee alone may determine policies and practices and employ a superintendent of Schools to implement its direction for the proper education of the children of the Town of South Hadley. Established by law **Policy References:** LEGAL REFS.: M.G.L. 41:1 and 71:37 specifically, but powers and duties of school committees are established throughout the General Laws of Massachusetts Relating to School Committees CROSS REF.: AA, School District Legal Status BBA, School Committee Powers & Duties